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Scout Network
Scout Network section logo
Owner	The Scout Association
Age range	18–25
Country	United Kingdom
Founded	2001
Membership	14,998 (2019)
Previous Explorer Scouts
Website www.ukscoutnetwork.org.uk
Scouting portal

The Scout Network is the fifth and final youth section of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom, catering for those aged between 18 and 25 years. The section was formally introduced in February 2002 alongside Explorer Scouts with both replacing the former Venture Scouts section for fifteen-and-a-half- to twenty-year-olds. Its programme is structured differently from the other sections, focusing on achieving the top awards of the section, such as the Queen's Scout award rather than other badges. It is largely self run by the members of the section, as opposed to being led by a team of adult leaders.

History

Scout Network was created as a result of the Scout Association's Programme Review that began in 1995. Throughout the 1990s, the Scout Association had been losing 30,000 members each year and so a new programme was developed to be implemented in the new millennium.

The new section was launched in February 2002 with all Venture Scout Units switching to the new system by December 2003. The section originally formed part of the Scout County, with responsibility for the Network coming from there, and its members were every member of The Scout Association in the section's age range of 18 to 25 years. The Network would therefore include normal youth members as well as leaders, skills instructors and members of the Scout Fellowship, providing a social base for all members of that age, although no meeting was mandatory. The revised age ranges were chosen to ensure that the Explorer Scout section received a suitable number of members and to align both sections with the age ranges of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. All meetings were to be led by the Network itself. Because members could come from and take part in several different parts of Scouting, the uniform chosen was the same as that used by adult Leaders and members of the Scout Fellowship (now Scout Active Support) with the addition of a Scout Network identifying badge.

One of the early problems suffered by the Scout Network involved the transition from a four section to a five section system. Of the 18,397 Venture Scouts in 2,612 units in January 2002, only 1,474 made the transfer to Scout Network a year later in 153 different Networks. Scout Network has consistently experienced significantly lower levels of membership when compared to the rest of the movement. As a result, a review was undertaken over eighteen months between starting in mid-2004. The outcome of this review led to the introduction of Scout Network Leaders to help administer and guide the Network, additional local Networks rather than a single County Network and the introduction of a District Scout Network. In 2012 the section, along with Explorer Scouts, celebrated their tenth anniversaries with a uniform badge available to celebrate the occasion.

Between August and December 2013, a youth consultation was held into the future of Scouting under the title of Be... initiative. The report recommended a digital space for Scout Network members and a number of nationally delivered high quality events on a community, adventure and international theme. In 2015 the structure and programme of Scout Network was changed once again, including the recommendations in the report. That year the Scout Network website was launched with events in different areas of the programme advertised to all members of the movement aged between 18 and 25 years. Responsibility for Scout Network units was handed down to districts with members able to engage in their local Network or the UK Scout Network, run by national commissioners running events and longer term projects through the website. A series of virtual badges were created through the website allowing members to earn them for completing activities.

In 2018 the Scouts published their Skills for Life plan which included acknowledged that young people drop out of the Scout's 6-25 programme between 14 and 25 years. In response, they aim to conduct a review of the Scout Network provision by 2023.

Structure

Launch structure

When the section was first launched, the responsibility of Scout Network was the relevant County/Area/Region with a commissioner and administrator providing central management for the section. A role existed for Network Leader, although this was created to provide specific support to create new networks. There was a great deal of flexibility over the formation of local Networks within the County/Area/Region with suggestions including Networks covering an entire county, Networks covering one district and supported by the District, Networks partnered with one group, specialist Networks as part of a specific club or centre or a University Network.

The programme for the section consisted of eight programme zones that mirrored the rest of the sections, those of the top awards and the partnership awards. Activities were meant to link to each programme zone and an adequate balance ensured. The eight zones were outdoors, skills, physical recreation, community service, environemt, international, relationships and values.

2006 relaunch

Since the review of 2004-2006 there have been three distinct types of Scout Network structure. The first is a modified version of the original structure and sees the Network centrally run and operated by a County/Area/Region. A second allows for multiple Networks in one County as long as each come together for some shared events each year. In addition to this model Networks can also be run on a District level, with the District team taking the roles of the County team, and there are some Specialist Networks, usually based at an Activity Centre, that focuses around certain activities only.

The Leadership structure of a Scout Network consists of a Scout Network Leader, who is essentially an advisor or mentor to the members, and elected members of the Network who help to run it. This usually includes a chairperson and a treasurer to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Network. In larger County networks there can often be large committees made up of representatives from all the Network groups.

The programme was also updated from eight programme zones into three self development areas (International, Community, Skills and Development), different from the structure of the other sections for the first time. These new development areas also reflect the requirements for the top awards. The Chief Scout's Platinum award, which matched the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze award, was removed from the section and reserved for Explorers only.

2015 relaunch

In 2015 the structure of Scout Network changed to be entirely district led with one Scout Network per district, with Scout counties providing a support role.Exceptions to this could be applied for, such as for districts running joint Networks or for a County Network to carry on, however this is not encouraged. The District Scout Network Commissioner role was created to support the district Network and to take on the mentoring and advisory role formerly occupied by the Scout Network Leaders. The Scout Network members themselves continue to be in charge of their own programme, now led by appointed programme co-ordinators who support other members in their programme and personal development. If a number of the Scout Network are all working towards the same goal, this is encouraged through the formation of a project team.

The programme is split into three areas (Community, International and Adventure), linking to the recommendations of the Be... Initiative. The activities of the Network are now classified as either a project, long term in nature with a clear goal, or an event, happening on just the one occasion.

Membership

At the launch of Scout Network, a distinction was made between those who participated in a Scout Network programme only and those who held other roles in Scouting as well, such as section leaders or those who are part of the Scout Fellowship. Since 2015, any member of the Scout Association aged between 18-25 years are classified as a member of Scout Network, regardless of whether they actively take part in a local Scout Network programme.

Awards

In contrast to other Scout sections, members of the Scout Network cannot achieve any Challenge or Activity badges with the programme instead focusing on skills that could help in future life.

Scout Network members are able to work towards the Chief Scout's Diamond Award and the Queen's Scout Award, which share a similar structure to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and these latter awards can be used to complete the Scouting equivalent. The awards require members to undertake an extended period of physical activity, voluntary service and skill improvement as well as an expedition and a residential experience for the Queen's Scout Award. The Queen's Scout Award in particular is considered the top award for Scout Network members and includes a presentation at Windsor Castle for those who achieve the award.

In addition to these three awards the Network members can also undertake the Explorer Belt Award, which was pre-existing from Venture Scouts and allows members to undertake a 10-day international expedition, the International Scouts of the World Award which focuses on making a social impact through an international journey.Until its discontinuation in 2015, Network members could also earn the Partnership Awards for working on large-scale projects with another group.

See also

• The Scout Association
• Age Groups in Scouting and Guiding
• Ranger (Girl Guide)

References

1. "Annual report and accounts 2018-19" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2019. p. 59. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
2. "Scouts - General and Local Information | Islington Directory". directory.islington.gov.uk. London Borough of Islington. Retrieved 18 March 2020. {{cite web}}: no-break space character in |title= at position 39 (help)
3. Reporter, Staff (13 August 2012). "Celebrating 50 years of The Ockendon Scout and Guide Group". Your Thurrock. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
4. "Scout Network Awards". Scouts.org.uk. Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
5. "Decision making". members.scouts.org.uk. Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
6. "Our Movement, Our Future..." Programme Review Implementation. Scoutbase (The Scout Association). Archived from the original on 7 June 2002. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
7. "A Decade of Adventure". Scouting (The Scout Association). Retrieved 16 December 2013.
8. "The Passing Years: Milestones in the progress of Scouting" (PDF). The Scout Association. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
9. ^ "New Activity Programme for UK Scouts". Scoutbase (The Scout Association). Archived from the original on 7 June 2002. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
10. "Model County/Area Scout Network Constitution" (PDF). The Scout Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 July 2004. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
11. ^ "What is the Scout Network?". ScoutBase (The Scout Association). Archived from the original on 25 June 2003. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
12. Pike, Tim (June 2002). "The Scout Network Programme" (PDF). Scouting Magazine (The Scout Association). pp. 42–43. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 April 2004. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
13. Pike, Tim (2002). Network Essentials. Chingford, London: The Scout Association. p. 9. ISBN 0851653235.
14. "The Scout Association Annual Report & Accounts 2001 - 2002" (PDF). scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. p. 42. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
15. ^ "The Scout Association Annual Report and Accounts 2002-2003" (PDF). ScoutBase UK. The Scout Association. 2003. p. 42. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2004. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
16. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13" (PDF). The Scout Association. p. 41. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
17. ^ "Network News and Commissioner's Question Time" (PDF). Network Supplement. Scouting Magazine (The Scout Association). pp. 3–4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 November 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
18. James, Chris (2014). A History of Scouting in 100 Objects. London: The Scout Association. p. 125.
19. Bulpitt, Wayne; Hyde, Matt. "Young People and the 2014-18 Strategic Plan: The Be... Initiative Final Report and Recommendations" (PDF). scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
20. Bulpitt, Wayne; Hyde, Matt. "Young People and the 2014-18 Strategic Plan: The Be... Initiative Final Report and Recommendations" (PDF). scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
21. ^ "Resources". UK Scout Network. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
22. "Skills for Life: Our plan to prepare better futures 2018-2023" (PDF). Scouts. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
23. ^ Network Essentials, 2002, p.11
24. Pike, Tim (2002). Network Essentials (New Edition ed.). The Scout Association. pp. 29–53. ISBN 0851653235. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
25. "Specialist Networks". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
26. "Scout Network Organisation and Structure". The Scout Association. Archived from the original on 18 December 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
27. Stewart, Greg; James, Chris; Ovenstone, Tom, eds. (2006). Network Essentials: The complete guide to starting and running a successful Scout Network (1st ed.). The Scout Association. pp. 9–10.
28. "Role description for a County Scout Network Leader" (PDF). The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
29. ^ "Decision Making". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
30. Stewart, Greg; James, Chris; Ovenstone, Tom, eds. (2006). Network Essentials: The complete guide to starting and running a successful Scout Network (1st ed.). The Scout Association. pp. 35–42.
31. "Scout Network awards". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
32. ^ "Structure". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
33. "Role description for a District Scout Network Commissioner" (PDF). scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
34. "District Scout Network Commissioner Essentials" (PDF). scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
35. "Projects and Events". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
36. "Our Journey to Growth: The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2008/9" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2009. p. 46. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
37. "Valuing Adventure: The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2009-2010" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2010. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
38. "Making Our Mark: The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2010/11" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2011. p. 41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 November 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
39. "Vision 1 Amazing Year: The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2012. p. 62. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
40. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2012-2013" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2013. p. 41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
41. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2013-2014" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2014. pp. 49–50. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
42. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2014-2015" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2015. p. 52. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
43. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2015-2016" (PDF). Charity Commission. The Scout Association. 2016. p. 58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
44. "The Scout Association's Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2017. p. 58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
45. "Annual Report and Accounts 17/18" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2018. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
46. "Annual report and accounts 2018-19" (PDF). Scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. 2019. p. 59. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
47. ^ "Queen's Scout Award". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
48. "Chief Scout's Diamond Award". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
49. "Chief Scout's Platinum Award". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
50. "Bear Grylls and Duke of Kent congratulate Milnrow scout for Queen's Scout Award". www.rochdaleonline.co.uk. Rochdale Online. 6 May 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
51. "Scout of the World Award". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
52. "Explorer Belt". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
53. "Partnership Awards". The Scout Association. Retrieved 17 December 2013.

External links

• Official Scout Network Page at Scouts website
• UK Scout Network website
  • Scout Network on Facebook
  • Scout Network on Twitter
  • Scout Network on Instagram

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